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Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Legislative framework National Park—6,354ha Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Conservation Park—37.5ha Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) Bioregion: South Eastern Queensland Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) Nature Conservation Act 1992 QPWS region: South East Local government estate/area: Gold Coast City Council Park size: Plans and agreements State electorate: Currumbin Bonn Convention China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement Coxen's fig-parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni recovery plan 2001-2005 Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement National recovery plan for the black-breasted buttonquail Turnix melanogaster Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 Recovery plan for stream frogs of south-east Queensland 2001-2005 Recovery plan for Davidsonia johnsonii (smooth davidsonia) Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement Southern macadamia species recovery plan Mudgeeraba Thematic strategies Ravine orchid Sarchochilus fitzgeraldii. Photo: DSITIA Fire Management Strategy Pest Management Strategy Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013. Vision The beauty and significant natural values of Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park will be maintained by minimising development and preventing further habitat fragmentation and loss of natural connectivity. Springbrook National Park is considered to be part of one of the most outstanding and valuable places in the world. Its World Heritage values will continue to be managed in conjunction with the key principles of the World Heritage Convention and the strategic objectives for the area, as agreed by the Australian, New South Wales and Queensland governments. Conservation purpose Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park contain outstanding geological features and spectacular landscapes and views that are internationally renowned. Warrie National Park in the Canyon area was declared in 1937, followed by Purling Brook Falls in 1940. Other sections of the national park were progressively declared from 1941–73. Springbrook Conservation Park was declared in 2008. In 1994, Springbrook National Park was included in the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and World Heritage Area as it meets the following three of four natural criteria. It: • represents a major stage of the earth's evolutionary history • is an outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes • contains the most important natural habitats for conserving biological diversity. The cool rainforests, eucalyptus forests and montane heath provide habitat to a large number of threatened species. Biodiversity conservation is the primary management goal. Protecting and presenting park values Landscape Springbrook National Park contains four separate sections—Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal to the east and Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west. Escarpments, waterfalls, creeks and waterholes are the main features of the Springbrook landscape. The Springbrook plateau is a remnant of the northern side of a once huge shield volcano that dominated the region about 23 million years ago. Around 10 million years ago, the volcano began to subside with the remaining lava plugging its numerous vents. Over the millennia, weathering and water erosion has sculpted the volcano to form a classic eroded caldera landform. The Mount Warning caldera (the crescent of perpendicular cliffs extending from Springbrook to Lamington plateau and the Tweed Range) is regarded as the largest and best of its age in the world. Eroded subsidiary vents, plugged with rhyolite, jut out of the landscape surrounding Mount Warning, and the Pinnacle and the Tweed caldera can be viewed from several lookouts within the park. A large proportion of the Springbrook area contains rainforest characterised by vines, palms, epiphytes and large strangler figs. The Springbrook Plateau receives more than 3,000 millimetres (mm) of rain per annum. The high rainfall that feeds streams and powers waterfalls continues to shape the landscape in this ongoing erosion process. Natural Bridge is a prime example of this. Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park are part of the water catchment for the Little Nerang and Hinze dams, which supply drinking water to the Gold Coast and adjacent rural areas. A significant proportion of the Springbrook area was previously logged and cleared for dairy production. Land surrounding the parks still contains several active farms. Regional ecosystems The Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park contain 19 regional ecosystems, one with biodiversity status of endangered and 11 that have of concern status (Table 1). Endangered regional ecosystem 12.3.1 occurs in Springbrook National Park. These regional ecosystems have a low representation in the protected area estate. Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 The forests of Springbrook National Park can be grouped into five classifications—subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforests, open eucalypt forest and heath. Subtropical rainforest characterized by a closed canopy, vines, palms, epiphytes and large trees such as strangler figs, can be seen at Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge and in the sheltered gorges of Springbrook plateau. Warm and cool temperate rainforest is found on the higher parts of the plateau. Antarctic beech Nothofagus moorei, relics of an earlier cooler, wetter age, now occur only at high altitude. The vulnerable plant Marsdenia longiloba grows on the margins of subtropical rainforest in regional ecosystem 12.3.2 while the slender silkpod Parsonsia tenuis is found in regional ecosystem 12.8.18. Endangered regional ecosystem 12.3.1 provides habitat for the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly Ornithoptera richmondia and endangered Coxen's fig-parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni. It also protects the vulnerable macadamia species Macadamia integrifolia and M. tetraphylla. The vulnerable black-breasted button-quail Turnix melanogaster prefers the habitat found in regional ecosystem 12.3.11. Native plants and animals The diverse environment of Springbrook National and Springbrook Conservation Park provides habitat for numerous plants and animals, many of which are listed as species of conservation significance or are listed under international treaties (tables 2 and 3). The parks contain approximately 250 native animal species, including four that are listed as endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Of the 27 amphibians recorded on the parks, two are vulnerable, two endangered and three are listed as near threatened (Table 2). The diversity of vegetation communities in the Springbrook area provide habitat for over 170 bird species. The red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus and Coxen's fig-parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni are listed as endangered. A further five bird species are listed as vulnerable and four are near threatened. Both the red goshawk and Coxen's fig-parrot are threatened by clearing of vegetation that reduces the quality and quantity of habitat available for the species. The black-breasted button-quail is listed as vulnerable under State and Commonwealth legislation, as well as being ranked as a critical priority species under the Back on Track species prioritisation framework. Threats to the blackbreasted button-quail include clearing of vegetation resulting in an increase in feral predation. Forty-four mammals have been recorded in the parks. Species which are listed as vulnerable include the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, koala Phascolarctos cinereus and long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus. The grey-headed flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus while listed as a least concern species under State legislation is a vulnerable species under Commonwealth legislation and is ranked as a critical species under the Back on Track program. Other notable species include fresh water crayfish Euastacus sp. that have been found in most creeks and the buffbanded rail Gallirallus philippensis whose numbers appear to have been reduced by feral cats Felis catus predation. In excess of 900 plant species and 42 fungi have been recorded on the parks. Twenty-five plants are listed as vulnerable, six endangered and 19 near threatened. Currently there are only two known locations in the Springbrook area for the endangered Eucryphia jinksii. The endangered southern ochrosia Ochrosia moorei is only found in the Springbrook area. This understorey tree is threatened by small population size limiting its capacity to reproduce. The mountain wattle Acacia orites has been recorded in Springbrook National Park. The distribution of this acacia fluctuates with disturbance. Aboriginal culture The landscape is of significant cultural value to Traditional Owners including the Yugambeh people. The Yugambeh groups have been identified as the Wangerriburra, Birinburra, Gugingin, Migunberri, Mununjali, Bollongin, Minjungbal and Kombumerri. They shared language, ceremonies, celebrations and trading in the area. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation and use is found throughout the Springbrook area. Stone tools, rock shelters, rock art, scarred trees and earthen rings have been found. Shared-history culture In 1906, the Springbrook area’s status as a timber reserve was revoked and the land was sold for farming. The Mount Cougal section attracted the first Europeans in search of timber. Remnants of the bush sawmill established in 1943 still remain. The mill produced packing crate timber for local banana farmers during the Second World War. At the top of Twin Falls, evidence of an old forestry camp that was in use from 1949–62 remains. Many items from 3 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 the camp are now stored at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Information Centre for their protection. Items include crockery, wheelbarrows, cutlery, bed frames and axes. The current Information Centre was previously the Springbrook community school up until 1971. As Springbrook’s oldest building, its centenary was celebrated in 2011 and it is heritage listed. Tourism and visitor opportunities Springbrook National Park’s spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, ancient trees, magnificent views, exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty make it an outstanding place to visit. The parks offer visitors a variety of nature-based activities including bush walking, bird watching and nature appreciation. Walking tracks of varying difficulty range in distance from 300 metres (m) to 54 kilometres (km), the latter being the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The Springbrook area contains a number of day-use areas with facilities such as barbecues, toilets and shelter sheds. Camping is only available at the Settlement area. A large interpretive display at the Information Centre allows visitors to learn about the history and natural values of the Springbrook area. Other interpretation for visitors is available at Purling Brook, the Settlement, Goomoolahra, Cougals and Natural Bridge sections of Springbrook. The Springbrook plateau is located 100km south of Brisbane and is a popular destination for independent travellers, especially during summer months when the cooler climate provides a break from the Queensland heat. The Natural Bridge section has been developed for night tours to view the glow worms and, based on 2011 figures, there were 32 tour operators conducting guided tours in Springbrook National Park. Education and science QPWS’s Connect with Nature program offers a range of nature-based activities and events for children, adults and families in the Springbrook area. The size and location of Springbrook makes it an attractive area for schools to visit. The national and conservation park provide opportunities for research. Partnerships Partnerships with neighbours, state and local government agencies and community groups help ensure that the values of the parks are well-managed and protected. Other key issues and responses Pest management Pest plant infestations are a major threat to Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation. Infestations of mistflower Ageratina riparia, molasses grass Melinis minutiflora and buddleia Buddleja madagascariensis encroach on the protected area from urban areas. Pasture species such as groundsel bush Baccharis halimifolia have spread from farming land surrounding the protected areas. Aristea ecklonii is present on road verges and is considered to be an emerging threat, particularly in relation to road mowing contractors inadvertently spreading the pest. Lantana Lantana camara is spreading in the Springbrook area. It is a weed of national significance and requires control measures to inhibit spread. Red foxes Vulpes vulpes, domesticated dogs Canis lupus familiaris and feral cats Felis catus have been recorded in the parks. Cane toads Rhinella marina have been present on the plateaux for a number of years, with recent records at the Canyon. They have possibly been the cause of the decline of the spotted-tailed quoll in the area. QPWS has implemented a control program targeting red foxes at locations where this species is known to be active. Ongoing monitoring will continue and QPWS implements cooperative control measures with neighbours and the Gold Coast City Council. A pest management strategy was prepared in 2010. Fire management Fire management is conducted in accordance with the 2009 Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy. This strategy was developed co-operatively by QPWS and the Gold Coast City Council QPWS utilises a comprehensive fire management system with the protection of life and property the highest 4 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 priority. Fire is an integral component of the Australian environment and many plants and animals depend on fire for their survival. The optimal timing, frequency and intensity of fire vary from ecosystem to ecosystem. Management directions Desired outcomes Actions and guidelines Regional ecosystems A1. Establish or review key monitoring objectives for plant species and communities of conservation significance. A focus may be on monitoring programs for recruitment of Macadamia spp. and the endangered regional ecosystem 12.3.1. Rainforest and eucalypt communities are conserved and habitat diversity maintained. Native plants and animals The integrity of plant and animals species of the park are recorded and conserved. World Heritage values of the park are conserved in a sustainable way. A2. Prepare and implement actions from management programs and recovery plans for significant species. A3. Establish or review key monitoring objectives for species of conservation significance. A focus may be on monitoring programs for the distribution of the giant barred frog Mixophyes iteratus and Fleay's barred frog Mixophyes fleayi; nesting sites of the red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus; and for the number and distribution of black-breasted button-quail and Coxen's fig-parrot. Knowledge of native animal species distribution and habitat requirements is increased and used for future management decisions. Aboriginal culture Aboriginal and shared cultural values of the protected area are identified and protected. Fire management Fire is managed to protect natural and biodiversity values of the national park. A4. Encourage Traditional Owners to conduct a comprehensive cultural heritage survey of the park including recording stories, language names and cultural heritage places. A5. Continue to update and implement the fire management strategy and appropriate fire regimes (including fire exclusion) to balance rainforest encroachment into eucalypt forest and to protect conservation significant species. Pest management A6. Continue to review and update the Springbrook Pest Management Strategy. An effective pest control program is developed and implemented to minimise the impacts on the natural ecosystems. A7. Monitor lantana and other threatening pest plant infestations and control outbreaks where feasible, particularly in areas containing threatened vegetation communities. Partnerships A10. Liaise with park neighbours and interested parties about cooperative arrangements for park management issues, including fire, pest and visitor management. Neighbours and interested parties are aware of, and help achieve the desired management outcomes for the park. A8. Map pest plants and include information on location, abundance and impacts. A9. Maintain fox management program in conjunction with local government and landholders. 5 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Desired outcomes Actions and guidelines Tourism and visitor opportunities A11. Develop a visitor management strategy. Opportunity will exist for people to experience and enjoy a range of nature-based recreation opportunities and settings. Tables – Conservation values management Table 1: Endangered and of concern regional ecosystems Regional ecosystem Description Biodiversity status 12.3.1 Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine forest) on alluvial plains Endangered 12.3.2 Eucalyptus grandis tall open forest on alluvial plains Of concern 12.3.11 Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. siderophloia, Corymbia intermedia open forest on alluvial plains near coast Of concern 12.8.2 Eucalyptus oreades tall open forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.8.6 Simple microphyll fern forest with Nothofagus moorei on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.8.8 Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis tall open forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.8.9 Lophostemon confertus open forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.8.18 Simple notophyll vine forest with Ceratopetalum apetalum on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.8.19 Heath and rock pavement with scattered shrubs or open-woodland on Cainozoic igneous hills and mountains Of concern 12.8.20 Shrubby woodland with Eucalyptus racemosa or E. dura on Cainozoic igneous rocks Of concern 12.11.9 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics. Usually higher altitudes Of concern 12.12.14 Shrubby woodland of rocky near coastal areas on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks Of concern Table 2: Species of conservation significance Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act 1992 status Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 status Back on Track status mountain wattle Near threatened - Low Plants Acacia orites 6 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act 1992 status Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 status Back on Track status Acronychia baeuerlenii Byron Bay acronychia Near threatened - Low Alloxylon pinnatum - Near threatened - Low Archidendron muellerianum veiny lace flower Near threatened - Low Ardisia bakeri ardisia Near threatened - Low Argophyllum nullumense silver leaf Near threatened - Low Baloghia marmorata jointed baloghia Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Bosistoa transversa three-leaved bosistoa Least concern Vulnerable - Callitris monticola steelhead Near threatened - Low Cassia marksiana - Vulnerable - Low Commersonia breviseta - Near threatened - - Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens southern corynocarpus Vulnerable - Medium Cupaniopsis newmanii long-leaved tuckeroo Near threatened - Medium Cyperus semifertilis - Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Davidsonia johnsonii smooth davidsonia Endangered Endangered High Endiandra hayesii rusty rose walnut Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Eucalyptus codonocarpa mallee ash Near threatened - Low Eucryphia jinksii - Endangered - Low Floydia praealta ball nut Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Fontainea australis southern fontainea Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Gahnia insignis - Near threatened - Low Helicia ferruginea rusty oak Vulnerable - Low Helmholtzia glaberrima - Near threatened - Low Hibbertia hexandra - Near threatened - Low Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia red bopple nut Vulnerable - Medium Phlegmariurus varius long clubmoss Vulnerable - High Lastreopsis silvestris - Vulnerable - Low Leionema elatius subsp. beckleri - Endangered - Low Lenwebbia prominens - Near threatened - Low 7 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act 1992 status Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 status Back on Track status Lepiderema pulchella fine-leaved tuckeroo Vulnerable - Low Macadamia integrifolia macadamia nut Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Macadamia tetraphylla - Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Marsdenia longiloba - Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Niemeyera whitei - Vulnerable - Low Ochrosia moorei southern ochrosia Endangered Endangered High Olearia heterocarpa nightcap daisy bush Near threatened - Low Ozothamnus vagans - Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Ozothamnus whitei - Near threatened - Low Parsonsia tenuis slender silkpod Vulnerable - Low Plectranthus nitidus - Endangered Endangered Low Pterostylis bicornis horned greenhood Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Ricinocarpos speciosus - Vulnerable - Medium Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii ravine orchid Endangered Vulnerable Critical Sarcochilus hartmannii - Vulnerable Vulnerable Critical Senna acclinis - Near threatened - Low Symplocos baeuerlenii small-leaved hazelwood Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Syzygium hodgkinsoniae red lilly pilly Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Syzygium moorei durobby Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Taeniophyllum muelleri - Least concern Vulnerable - Wahlenbergia scopulicola - Near threatened - Low Westringia blakeana - Near threatened - Low Westringia rupicola - Vulnerable Vulnerable Low Acanthophis antarcticus common death adder Near threatened - Medium Accipiter novaehollandiae grey goshawk Near threatened - Low Adelotus brevis tusked frog Vulnerable - Medium Assa darlingtoni pouched frog Near threatened - Low Animals 8 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act 1992 status Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 status Back on Track status Atrichornis rufescens rufous scrub-bird Vulnerable - Critical Calyptorhynchus lathami glossy black-cockatoo Vulnerable - High Coeranoscincus reticulatus three-toed snake-tooth skink Near threatened Vulnerable Medium Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen's fig-parrot Endangered Endangered Critical Dasyurus maculatus maculatus spotted-tailed quoll (southern subspecies) Vulnerable Endangered High Erythrotriorchis radiatus red goshawk Endangered Vulnerable High Kyarranus loveridgei masked mountainfrog Near threatened - Low Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's rail Near threatened - Low Litoria pearsoniana cascade treefrog Vulnerable - Low Litoria revelata whirring treefrog Near threatened - Low Menura alberti Albert's lyrebird Near threatened - Low Mixophyes fleayi Fleay's barred frog Endangered Endangered Low Mixophyes iteratus giant barred frog Endangered Endangered Medium Ninox strenua powerful owl Vulnerable - Medium Ornithoptera richmondia Richmond birdwing Vulnerable - Critical Phascolarctos cinereus (southeast Queensland bioregion) koala (southeast Queensland bioregion) Vulnerable - - Podargus ocellatus plumiferus plumed frogmouth Vulnerable - Low Potorous tridactylus tridactylus long-nosed potoroo Vulnerable Vulnerable Medium Pteropus poliocephalus grey-headed flying-fox Least concern Vulnerable Critical Ramphotyphlops silvia a blind snake Near threatened - Low Turnix melanogaster black-breasted buttonquail Vulnerable Vulnerable Critical Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa sooty owl Near threatened - Low 9 Springbrook National Park and Springbrook Conservation Park Management Statement 2013 Table 3: Species listed in international agreements Scientific name Common name Bonn CAMBA JAMBA ROKAMBA Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird - - - Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen's fig-parrot - - - Gallinago hardwickii Latham's snipe Haliaeetus leucogaster white-bellied sea-eagle - - - Hirundapus caudacutus white-throated needletail - Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater - - - Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch - - - Myiagra cyanoleuca satin flycatcher - - - Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail - - - Symposiarchus trivirgatus spectacled monarch - - - Bonn: Bonn Convention CAMBA: China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement JAMBA: Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement ROKAMBA: Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 10
